We already run the ball more than any other team. I expect to have some comfortable leads next year that will keep the ball on the ground..even moreso. I have a feeling we are about to see what Turbin is really made of and I'm hoping for a level of competition that reminds of Watters vs. Alexander. Those were good (RB) times.

Michael will be 2nd string. While Turbin runs into tackles, this kid spins out of them. Turbin will probably transform into more of a 3rd down recieving back. I give Turbin a lot of cradit in that role though. Turbin has a knack of finding that 1st down marker and sprinting to it and getting just enough to move the chains. Plus when Turbins in, you still have to account for him as a runner on 3rd and long. Turbin is also above average in pass pro.

Watching Michael you can see he is clearly the better runner though. He reads his blocks quicker, fast and decisive on his cuts, and his spin move and tackle breaking ability is superior to Turbin. Its no surprise why Schneider wanted this guy with his 1st pick. He is an athletic freak. His 40 is good (not elite but NFL standards good), but its about his verticle and other stuff that makes this kid an amazing athlete. Upper body strength, etc.

I've talked to some A&M people and his whole deal with Sumlin was way over blown and frankly this kid excelled in the pro offense before Sumlin came in with his spread. An A&M guy told me he has the NCAA record for rushing yards in a game but I didn't bother verifying it.

Not sure. I'm pretty high on Turbin, and I think he ended up being a GREAT pick last year, but I'm not sure he has the potential to be a game changing back. I think Michael does have that potential, but Turbin might have the versatility to be on the field more next year. Love the pick, though.

When I first saw this thread title, I thought it was for fantasy fighting or something.

I know these are just a couple of snapshots, but it looks like Turbin could use some work on catching with his hands and not his body. He had a few unfortunate drops last season. If Michael is more of a natural "hands" catcher, it will be hard to keep him off the field.

49ers webzone: Win or lose, i hope you injure Sherman. Like a serious career ending injury. I don't want him to get paid.49ers webzone: noise should not be the overwhelming reason a team is favored. they need to spray noise-damping foam onto the ceiling of that place.

BlueTalon wrote:When I first saw this thread title, I thought it was for fantasy fighting or something.

I know these are just a couple of snapshots, but it looks like Turbin could use some work on catching with his hands and not his body. He had a few unfortunate drops last season. If Michael is more of a natural "hands" catcher, it will be hard to keep him off the field.

The thing with Turbin seemed to always be a leg strength issue. His upper half is massive. I suspect he will have spent some time in the weight room working on that in the off season. Competition will be interesting. Especially if Lynch gets spanked for the DUI.

I like what I saw from Turbin last year, especially in the passing game. Michael looks more explosive out of his cuts, and a more fluid runner in general. Slight edge to Michael as 2 down back, Turbin as 3rd down. Of course, 3rd down would depend on who is better at pass pro. Will be a great competition for Lynch's heir apparent.

Michaels looks like he explodes into his cuts and the hole better than Turbin, although not by much. Once again, you're looking at Turbin making cuts vs. NFL defenses while Michaels is tearing up NCAA defenses.

Turbin has more speed than anyone in our backfield not named Percy Harvin. I like all of our guys as receivers, but look at Turbin's routes; he gets downfield farther, faster, and gets more separation than either Lynch or Washington did last year, and I expect that to be the same with Michaels. Yes, our rookie is explosive, but 4.4 speed vs. 4.5 speed is still a significant difference, and yes Turbin's translates to the field.

I've been saying it since he was drafted, but Turbin has the makings of a third down running back. For some reason, probably his biceps, people think he's a pure north/south bruiser. He doesn't have enough bulk in his lower body to be a fullback, IMO.

Turbin is a good receiver with good speed as a receiver. Michael is a pure running back, much less versatile.

Turbin replaces Washington as versatile running back. Michael is goal line specialist early on, and an eventual replacement for Marshawn.

I agree nano. Turbin isn't a trucker, but he can be a weapon situationally and out of the backfield, just not as a Marshawn replacement. Either Michael or Ware on the other hand, those guys I can see as the horse.